When the sun rises over the main quadrangle of Fitchburg State University on Saturday, May 16, it will illuminate a campus celebrating its 130th year of academic excellence. For the graduates gathered, the morning marks the end of a long, rigorous climb. But for Jossara Dos Santos Dias, it marks the beginning of a larger conversation. Dias, a Boston resident who will earn her master’s degree in Educational Leadership, was selected as the recipient of the Graduate Student Leadership Award. Beyond the prestige, this honor carries a significant responsibility: she will stand before her peers, faculty, and families at the 8 a.m. ceremony to deliver the graduate commencement address. Her message is not just one of celebration, but of the profound value of a multitasking student—the leader who balances a career, a family, and a calling. "As you move forward from this program, remember that the perspectives you bring—as professionals, leaders, students, and individuals with many competing responsibilities—are incredibly valuable," said Dias, who wants to share this message with the Class of 2026. "Earning this degree while managing work, family, and other commitments is a testament to your resilience, discipline, and purpose." Dias’ journey to the podium is paved with a decade of dedication to breaking down doors. Since 2022, she has served as the STEM Education Senior Coordinator at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston. In the high-stakes, fast-paced world of biotechnology, she serves as a bridge between complex science and the untapped potential of high school students. She recognizes that for many, the world of STEM feels like a closed room. "I believe that the biggest challenge today in making STEM accessible is overcoming the perception that it is too complex or unattainable," said Dias. "Many students feel intimidated by these subjects." Her work at Vertex is about more than just teaching formulas; it is about making it easier to understand. By creating hands-on experiences, she connects sterile lab concepts to real-world applications, allowing students to see biotech not as a daunting hurdle, but as a career path. Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge said Dias’ ability to translate complex concepts helped her stand out among nominees for the university’s top graduate honor. "Her work has inspired the next generation of biotech professionals, while her bilingualism has allowed her to advocate for and empower students facing language barriers," President Hodge said. "Her dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment, effectively prepares future leaders and strengthens her community." Dias views her bilingualism not just as a skill, but as a tool for justice. In the classroom and the corporate lab, language can often be the "invisible" barrier that keeps brilliant minds on the sidelines. "My bilingualism has opened countless doors," said Dias. "It allows me to connect with diverse students and communities and to advocate for those who might otherwise be overlooked. By breaking down language barriers, I can ensure that everyone has a voice in discussions about education and STEM." This commitment to inclusivity is a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy. Whether in the corporate world of Vertex or the classroom, Dias argues that true leadership is defined by how well one listens to diverse perspectives. To her, the first step for any organization seeking to be more inclusive is to implement diversity training and ensure that "decision-making processes include diverse voices." While Dias brought a wealth of professional experience to the university, she credits Fitchburg State for refining her inner compass. The master’s in Educational Leadership program challenged her to move beyond management and toward a more profound, reflective form of guidance. "My time at Fitchburg State has been transformative," said Dias. "The emphasis on critical thinking and community engagement shaped my understanding of leadership in education. It taught me the importance of being a reflective practitioner and instilled in me the belief that education is a powerful tool for social change." Success in such a rigorous program, however, does not happen in a vacuum. Dias is quick to point toward the mentors who lit the way. During her master’s journey, she found a bedrock of support in Professors Michael Hanna, Stephanie Quinn, and MaryAnn Perry, whose consistent support and ability to create a clear, well-structured curriculum were instrumental to her success. As Dias prepares to walk across the stage and receive the Graduate Student Leadership Award, she is already looking toward the horizon. The degree is not the end of her education, but the fuel for her next mission: STEM education reform at the policy level. She plans to advocate for curriculum changes that integrate biotech concepts directly into K-12 classrooms, ensuring that students aren't waiting until college to discover their passion for science. "I aim to advocate for equitable access to quality STEM education," said Dias. "Ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the resources and opportunities to succeed." This passion for service is not a side project; it is her primary driver. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing her time, she manages to integrate volunteerism into her professional life, a practice she says keeps her energized and connected, reminding her of purpose beyond her career ambitions. Her advice to her fellow graduates is simple yet profound: Don’t stop growing. "Embrace challenges and change as opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference," said Dias. "Strive not only to continue learning, but also to lead with integrity, empathy, and vision. Hold on to your curiosity because those qualities will continue to guide your impact as educational leaders." As Dias receives her award and addresses the university, she stands as a living embodiment of the lifelong learner. She is a leader who understands that the highest form of achievement isn't reaching the top—it’s reaching back down to pull the next generation up with you. “Education is a powerful tool for social change,” said Dias. “I’ve learned how to harness my passion for learning and apply it effectively to inspire others." (Photo courtesy of Vertex Learning Lab)

Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge has announced a series of key academic leadership appointments that will help guide the institution’s continued focus on academic excellence, strategic growth, and organizational alignment heading into the 2026-2027 academic year. The appointments reinforce the university’s commitment to building a strong and collaborative academic leadership team positioned to advance student success, faculty achievement, and institutional transformation. Dr. Franca Barricelli will continue serving as Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, while Dr. Jannette McMenamy has accepted a permanent appointment as Associate Provost. In addition, Dr. Elizabeth Gordon has been appointed Interim Dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences, effective June 8. “Franca has led Academic Affairs with a steady hand, strong judgment, and a deep understanding of both our mission and this moment,” said Hodge. “Alongside her, Jannette has provided essential partnership and continuity, helping ensure that our work has not only continued, but remained focused, strategic, and aligned with the needs of our students and campus community.” Barricelli, a longtime academic leader at Fitchburg State, agreed to continue her service as Acting Provost into the next academic year. “It is a privilege to continue the important work of the Provost’s Office and to support the extraordinary faculty, librarians, and staff who create transformative learning environments for our students every day,” said Barricelli. “Fitchburg State’s mission has never been more important, and I remain deeply committed to advancing academic excellence, access, and innovation across the institution.” McMenamy, who has served the university in multiple academic leadership roles over more than two decades, will now permanently assume the role of Associate Provost. “I am honored to step into this position at the university that has been my professional home for more than 20 years,” said McMenamy. “I care deeply about this institution, our students, and our people, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting our academic community and helping move the university forward.” Gordon, a respected faculty member in the Environmental, Geographic and Public Health Sciences Department, will serve as Interim Dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences following McMenamy’s transition into the Associate Provost role. Gordon brings extensive experience in academic leadership, student mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. President Hodge also recognized the broader leadership team within Academic Affairs, including members of the Provost’s Council, for maintaining continuity and momentum during a period of transition. “This is what institutional strength looks like,” Hodge said. “Not the absence of change, but the presence of capable, committed leaders who continue to move the institution forward together with clarity, care, and purpose.” The appointments follow the departure of former Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Patricia Marshall, who recently accepted a position at another institution. As Fitchburg State prepares for the upcoming academic year, university leaders said the appointments will help ensure continued progress on key institutional priorities, including academic innovation, student success, enrollment growth, and cross-divisional collaboration. About Fitchburg State University Founded in 1894, Fitchburg State University is a public university dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. Located in North Central Massachusetts, the university serves nearly 6,000 undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students through more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master’s degree programs.

History came full circle on Thursday in the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library, as the Fitchburg State community gathered to rededicate the Children’s Literature Collection to Professor Emerita Lillian A. Tater. The ceremony, held on April 30, took place exactly 50 years to the day after the original 1976 dedication, marking a poignant milestone in the university’s English Studies heritage. The event served as a formal restoration of Professor Tater’s visible legacy on campus. Following a 2014 library renovation during which the original commemorative plaque was lost, the university unveiled a new memorial plaque to ensure Tater’s contributions remain a permanent fixture of the institution. Ron Colbert ‘76, ‘80, a member of the Fitchburg State Alumni Association Board of Directors, said he attended the original dedication for Tater as an undergraduate student and was selected to give Tater red roses as they unveiled the library plaque dedicated in her honor. As an elementary education major, Colbert learned the art of teaching from Tater. “Today we are here to honor and re-honor Ms. Lillian Tater, a professor and university colleague from our past,” said Colbert. “A daughter of a hard-working family in Fitchburg and a woman who impacted the lives of countless teachers, children with her faith, love of literature, storytelling and writing. Ms. Tater fostered strong empathetic relationships with her students while setting high academic and classroom management expectations. She created a culture of respect in her classroom by defining what respect looks like and then demonstrating respect goes both ways. She adapted to different learning needs, was a master of patience, used clear communication, modeled good organization and actively engaged us in class.” Fitchburg State Associate Librarian – Head of Instruction and Information Literacy – Renee Fratantonio, acted as the chief architect of the Tater restoration, spearheading the archival research and collection efforts that returned a lost chapter of the university’s history to its rightful place within the library. “I had a lot of fun and it was a joy to learn more about her,” said Fratantonio. Professor Tater’s story is inextricably linked with the evolution of Fitchburg State. A daughter of Jewish immigrants who arrived in New York in 1895 and later to Fitchburg, she was a first-generation college student and a member of the university’s historic first degree-granting class in 1933. Her career at the institution spanned over three decades, beginning in 1943 at the Edgerly Model School before she joined the English Department in 1950. After over 30 years of service, Professor Tater retired from Fitchburg State in 1970. “Professor Tater’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of education and the deep roots of our Falcon family,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “Today’s rededication is not just about restoring a plaque—it is about reaffirming that her influence lives on in every classroom shaped by her students and in every child whose imagination was opened through the literature she championed.” The original 1976 honor was a grassroots effort led by former students who sought to immortalize Tater’s passion for Children's Literature. The newly unveiled plaque mirrors the original archival sentiments: “Dedicated in Honor of Lillian A. Tater, April 30, 1976, remembered for her love of Children’s Literature, dedication to her students, and countless contributions to the College community.” Francine (Pericotti) Meigs ‘83, a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, said she met Professor Tater, who was a guest speaker during Fitchburg State Professor Anne Green’s children’s literature class. “I remember how she emphasized that books opened the mind and they inspire creativity and the stories within them spark children to read so they can learn more about the world,” said Meigs. “I remember how passionate she was about her love of children’s literature. Perhaps my love of children’s literature was sparked that day?” Meigs made a generous donation to the university’s children’s literature collection with the book, “ Oreo and His Magical Blue Bow Tie,” the first in the collection of children’s books written by Leominster author Ron Girouard. “May Professor Tater’s passion for children’s literature live on for generations of future Falcons to enjoy,” said Meigs. The university is hosting a commemorative exhibit in the library’s entrance display case. The exhibit features archival records and photographs detailing Professor Tater’s journey from a 1930s "Normal School" student to a pillar of the English Department. The Fitchburg State community is encouraged to visit the library to view the collection and learn more about the woman who helped build the foundation of the university’s literary tradition.

Charles Stevenson, a resident of Rutland and a veteran of the Army Reserve, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior at Fitchburg State University. President Dr. Donna Hodge announced the selection Monday, recognizing Stevenson for his academic excellence in mathematics and his transformative leadership within the campus community. The award, the university’s most prestigious honor for a graduating senior, is not merely a trophy for the highest GPA. It is a recognition for those who have navigated complex personal journeys to lead and inspire the community. For Stevenson, the path to the 2026 undergraduate commencement stage began far from the main quadrangle, winding through military service before finding a home at Fitchburg State. “Charles Stevenson represents the profound impact that dedicated service and intellectual rigor can have on a campus community,” said President Hodge. “It isn't just his mastery of mathematics or cybersecurity that sets him apart, but the way he has translated his experience as an Army veteran into a form of leadership that is both humble and transformative. Charles didn’t just join our community; he enriched it with his life experiences as an adult learner with a family.” Stevenson will receive an honorarium and the distinct honor of delivering the student address during the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16 on the main quadrangle. “It truly means the world to my family and me,” said Stevenson. “Being selected for the Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Student Leadership Award is such a profound honor. The Antonucci's embody community leadership and a commitment to public education, inseparable from their love and support for one another. My wife and I are inspired by their example to follow their lead in service to others.” Stevenson led a distinguished group of 2026 finalists that includes Madison Ambrogi, a community-focused scientist; Julia Arena, a clinical exercise advocate and student leader; Michael Burns, a two-term SGA president and multi-sport athlete; Matthew Gill, a student trustee and education researcher; Amanda DeLeon Guimaraes, an award-winning pre-law orator; Autumn Hughes, a creative arts therapist and musical leader; Geybrell Liriano, a dedicated ambassador for first-generation students; Evan Pritchard, a non-traditional scholar and campus maintainer; and Trenton Skaggs, a business honors president and ice hockey captain. The selection process for the Antonucci Award was rigorous. The "Top 10" finalists all underwent a formal interview process with the President’s Cabinet. After nearly two decades of managing IT infrastructure and security for a mission-driven organization, Stevenson returned to school to study the mathematics and computation underlying the systems he was responsible for. As a non-traditional student, Stevenson arrived at Fitchburg State in the spring of 2024. While many students are still finding their footing in their sophomore or junior years, Stevenson landed with a clear mission and a significant portfolio of transfer credits. As a dual major in Computer Science and Mathematics, with a specialized concentration in Cybersecurity, he didn't just join the Department of Health and Natural Sciences; he became one of its most visible advocates. Being a non-traditional student often carries the weight of balancing life experience with academic rigor. Stevenson, however, viewed his veteran status not as a barrier, but as a bridge. His academic work focuses on lattice-based cryptography, coding theory, and computational mathematics. He is currently looking toward research-based master's or PhD programs starting in the fall. “Balancing a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science, alongside my role as an IT Manager and a father of two has required discipline and many sacrifices, but it has also made this achievement that much more meaningful,” said Stevenson. “I will always be a Falcon, and Fitchburg State will forever be my alma mater.” The Antonucci Award recognizes students who pair academic excellence with transformative leadership and a profound impact on the campus community. Stevenson’s academic record is a masterclass in dedication, highlighted by his recognition as the Outstanding Mathematics Major for his peerless analytical skills and his induction into Pi Mu Epsilon, a national mathematics honor society reserved for those with an exceptional mastery of the field. Beyond the classroom, Stevenson’s commitment to his craft took him to the national stage in 2026, where he and colleague Rohanji “Anji” Novas represented Fitchburg State at the Joint Mathematics Meetings (JMM) and demonstrated their technical expertise in the USCLAP statistics modeling competition. His prowess in the classroom was so significant that it caught the attention of the university’s highest leadership. In April, Stevenson was invited to a Board of Trustees meeting to present his research and share his experiences at the JMM. Beyond the numbers, Stevenson’s impact was felt in his role as a Health and Natural Sciences Student Ambassador. Whether he was helping prospective families navigate the complexities of a STEM degree at Future Falcon Day or proctoring the 45th annual Elizabeth Haskins Mathematics Contest for local high schoolers, he remained a constant, grounding presence. Stevenson turned a complex academic path into a roadmap for others. By proctoring competitions for eight local high schools, he ensured that the next generation of mathematicians felt the same welcome he received when he first stepped onto campus. When Stevenson stands on the main quadrangle at commencement to address his peers, he will speak as a veteran, a father, a mathematician, and a cybersecurity expert. But most of all, he will speak as the embodiment of the Antonucci legacy—a student who took a complex journey and calculated a path to greatness for himself and his university. The Class of 2026 Undergraduate Commencement will begin at 2 p.m. on May 16, featuring a keynote address by Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. For more information about the commencement ceremony, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/commencement.

Fitchburg State University is proud to announce the expansion of its intercollegiate sports portfolio with the addition of varsity men’s lacrosse. This move brings the university’s total varsity offerings to 19 programs, further solidifying the Falcons' commitment to student-athlete growth and campus engagement. The Board of Trustees, chaired by Michael Fiorentino Jr., unanimously approved the creation of the team on Tuesday, April 28, paving the way to begin competitive play in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). "The addition of men’s varsity lacrosse marks an exhilarating new chapter for Fitchburg State," said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. "This expansion is a direct investment in our students and the vibrant campus culture that defines the Falcon experience. By elevating our offerings to 19 varsity programs, we are not just growing our athletic department—we are creating more pathways for talented student-athletes to develop leadership skills, find their community, and pursue excellence both in the classroom and on the field. We are fully committed to supporting this program as it transitions to the NCAA level." Recruitment of a head coach for the varsity program will begin soon. “We are thrilled to bring varsity men’s lacrosse to Fitchburg State,” said Fitchburg State Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation Matt Burke. “Adding our 19th program isn't just about expanding our roster; it’s about fueling the energy of our campus and giving another group of elite student-athletes the chance to compete at the highest level. We’re ready to build a culture of excellence from the ground up and can’t wait to see the Falcons take the turf in the near future." The launch of a men’s varsity lacrosse program gives aspiring student-athletes a new opportunity to compete at the NCAA level and marks a significant and continued commitment to growing athletics on campus. Men’s collegiate lacrosse has solidified its status as a regional powerhouse, with an impressive high-school-to-NCAA advancement rate of nearly 15% fueling the sport's expansion. This growth is most prominent at the Division III level, where the high density of New England programs provides a robust competitive landscape and serves as a primary driver for student-athlete recruitment. Fitchburg State currently supports a club lacrosse team that competes in the Continental Lacrosse Conference. Fitchburg State added its 18th varsity sport with the recent addition of women’s ice hockey, which is set to hit the ice for the 2027–2028 season. Rebecca Brown was named the first head coach of the newly established women’s varsity ice hockey program.